Protecting your dog or cat from heartworm disease is simple and affordable. Treating heartworm disease is costly, difficult and can be life threatening. Make an appointment for your pet’s yearly checkup and let’s keep your best friend safe!

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Every year in mid-May National Dog Bite Prevention Week brings awareness to the incidents of dog bites and preventive measures we can take to reduce the chances of dog bite incidents. Every year, more than 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs, with more than half of all victims younger than age 14. Approximately 7,000 Alabamians were bitten by dogs in 2012. Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs. Keep your family safe by learning about Dog Bite Prevention.

ACVO/StokesRx National Service Animal Eye Exam event

Each year the ACVO National Service Animal eye Exam event takes place in May. Eligible service animals are invited to receive a free eye exam from a participating ophthalmologist. Repeat clients from past events are welcomed to participate. Beginning April 1st, go to www.ACVOeyeexam.org. ot check for eligibility and registration dates. Special thanks to the American College of Veterinary ophthalmologists and their Diplomates. (This event is endorsed by the AVMA.)

September

ALVMA Promotes World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day falls on Septemeber 28 of each year. The ALVMA works to raise awareness about rabies and how it can be prevented.

For the past three years, veterinarians have gathered at sites throughout the country to bring their skills and knowledge to bear on service projects that will engage and educate pet owners and animal lovers on a range of topics related to animal healthcare. Plan to join us for this annual event.

Join us at Auburn University’s Fall Roundup and Taste of Alabama Agriculture at Ag Heritage Park to learn more about how to protect your pets when the unthinkable happens. Stop by to check out the Animal Emergency Response Trailer and watch a demonstration by a bomb-sniffing dog and his trainer. There will be toys for the kids and lots of great giveaways, including information about keeping pets healthy year-round and the opportunity to join the AVMF in its mission to help veterinarians help animals.

Other helpful information

Partners for Healthy Pets

This unprecedented alliance program is now over 100 organizations strong and offers veterinarians the tools to market their practices with minimal effort. It is free to use as part of your ALVMA membership benefits. Downloadable print ads, social media tools, promotional schedules and more are all organized and planned for you. Be part of this national campaign taking aim at reducing preventable diseases among cats and dogs by urging pet owners to schedule veterinary checkups at least once per year. Sign up today at Partners for Healthy Pets.

Emergency Preparedness for Pets Get a Supply Kit

Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, particularly food and water. Consider making two kits. In one, put everything your pets will need to stay at home. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away. Plus, be sure to review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.
Arrange a Safe Haven
•Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels available in event of an emergency.
•Check with local animal shelters to see if they provide temporary emergency shelter.
•Choose a designated caregiver outside of your immediate area to take care of your pet. Evacuation Preparation
•Store the emergency kit as close to an exit as possible.
•Make sure all pets are wearing collars with current identification.
•Always bring pets indoors at the first warnings of a storm.
•Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the disaster area.